Soccer fans react while they watch a soccer match between Ghana and Brazil during their World Cup 2006 match in a township bar in Soweto, South Africa, June 27, 2006. [Reuters]

This came despite recent criticism and worries over the country's slowness in preparation, inferior public transport system and telecommunication facilities, and uncontrolled crime rate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the country's cabinet said as the 2006 soccer World Cup draws to a close in Germany, the eyes of the world will focus on South Africa to see if it is ready to host the next one.

"As the 2006 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax in Germany, the world will be watching us carefully to judge whether we will be ready to host this prestigious event," it said.

The statement said cabinet was confident the country would be ready, and called on all sectors "to work together in a national effort to ensure that South Africa hosts the best World Cup ever on behalf of Africa".

It congratulated the five African countries that represented the Africa continent in the competition in Germany, "in particular Ghana for reaching the quarter-finals and carrying the torch, on behalf of millions of Africans around the world, and playing like true champions against the current world champions, Brazil."

The statement said the emblem for the 2010 World Cup would be unveiled in Berlin on July 7.

The 2006 World Cup final will be played in Berlin on July 9.